Christmas tradition.

Quite a few things have changed for us this year, I’m sure in your family too. One thing that was have made a habit of doing each and every year was ICE at Gaylord Palms. (see last year’s post here)

Missing it was actually something that I was worried about as the summer rolled around and things were canceled or postponed.

Once I saw Gaylord Palms announce it’s holiday lineup I knew we had to go.

This year Gaylord Palms changed a few things about their holiday events and introduced I Love Christmas Movies. You are able to walk-thru the most iconic scenes from your favorite Christmas movies in their multi-sensory experience. The walk through usually lasts about 20 minutes.

See a behind the scenes sneak peek on my Insta Stories Highlights.

You are able to interact and capture moments with the sets and moments you know-and-love, with over 13 fully immersive scenes complete with replicas of film props, audio clips, and more. Featuring THE POLAR EXPRESS™, A CHRISTMAS STORY™, ELF™, NATIONAL LAMPOON’S CHRISTMAS VACATION™, and THE YEAR WITHOUT A SANTA CLAUS™.

Considering that National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation is my favorite holiday movie I couldn’t wait.

I don’t want to spoil anything for you… but ‘A little full, lotta sap.’

I’ve had people ask me if it was better than ICE. My answer is… it’s just a little different, but still an awesome holiday event. If you like ICE, you will like this too. I honestly loved that there were 5 different movies to experience. Because my kids LOVE Polar Express, their excitement for that was fun to watch… along with my husband’s excitement for A Year Without Santa Claus.

Because Gaylord Palms is a Marriott property, while on site masks are required.

Unlike previous years, there are not large groups walking freely through the exhibit. Each group (your reservation party) walks through with a tour guide to show you each movie scene and share movie trivia. There are plenty of photo opportunities, so have your cameras ready.

Something else that is a little different this year is each activity in the Alpine Village requires a reservation. This is another way the property is keeping their guests safe and distanced.

The village is set up the same way it has been in previous years, with a few additions.

• I Love Christmas Movies™
• Snow Flow Mountain
• Snowball Build and Blast

• The Grinch’s Wonderful Awful Idea Scavenger Hunt (around property)
• Mrs. Claus’ Christmas Traditions
• Gingerbread Decorating

• Sugary Sweet Storytime
• Elf Training Academy (painting wooden ornaments)

You can also get photos with Santa…. don’t miss this one.

My boys absolutely loved the Snowball Build and Blast. They wanted to do this one multiple times… and I absolutely loved it too. Yes, it is real snow to create snowballs with.

I don’t know what’s so magical about “snoap”. You know that mixture of soap and snow, maybe it’s just a Florida thing.

But watching my kids play in this was my favorite part of the weekend. Dancing and playing, spinning watching the bubbles fall on them.

Depending on how many activities you book, depends on how long your day, or weekend would be. Staying at Gaylord Palms, especially during the holidays is something I ABSOLUTELY recommend. It’s one of those gifts that is an experience that will be talked about for a lifetime.

No matter what time of year it is, my entire family loves sitting on our balcony at night. At Christmas time the tree light show is a must see. You can see this from almost all atrium view rooms. This is from an Emerald Bay Atrium view. Our favorite part of the hotel to stay in.

I’m not sure if it’s all the time or just during this part of the year, it is cold. Take sleeves. This is fun in Florida, and something I absolutely needed to start off my holiday season.

If this is something you have been considering, make sure to go ahead and call. Since so many of our 2020 plans have changed, I was thrilled we were able to keep this in our socially distanced Christmas plans.

Click here for more on our stay (video coming soon)

Click here for more information on Gaylord Palms and their holiday activities and line up.